The temple a witness against iniquity; the prophet's grief; God's righteous judgments

Chapter 7 begins a new prophecy, contemplating especially the
temple, which, instead of being a protection (as the people,
without conscience, would have it), was become a further
demonstration of their iniquity. They were to remember Shiloh; for
the house of God should likewise be overthrown. Judah should be
cast off, as Ephraim had been, and God would hear no intercession
for His people. He required obedience and not sacrifice, and if the
people came into His house while they were practising idolatry,
they did but defile it. But Israel had less understanding than the
birds of the heaven, which at least knew their appointed times,
while Israel knew not the judgment of Jehovah (chap. 8). From verse
18 to verse 2 of chapter 9 the prophet lays open the depth of his
grief. From verse 3 of chapter 9 he proclaims judgment -- a
judgment which shall also visit the nations around. And in view of
these judgments he exhorts every man not to glory in man, but in
the knowledge of Jehovah (v. 23, 24).